CSB
But the Lord said to Samuel, โDo not look at his appearance or his stature because I have rejected him. Humans do not see what the Lord sees,[a] for humans see what is visible, but the Lord sees the heart.โ
NIV
But the Lord said to Samuel, โDo not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.โ
ESV
But the Lord said to Samuel, โDo not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.โ
Memorization Strategies
Try one or two of these strategies to make memorizing easier, especially for dyslexia and learning differences.
People see the outside. God sees the heart.
- Humans see what is visible: point to your eyes, then gesture at your clothes or outside of your body.
- but the Lord sees the heart: point upward, then place your hand over your heart.
- Do not look at his appearance or his stature: make a measuring motion with your hand, like checking someoneโs height, then shake your head โno.โ
- The Lord does not look at the things people look at: sweep your hand in front of your eyes, then flip your palm over like you are turning something upside down.
Draw two simple figures side by side. On one, decorate the outside with fancy clothes or a big crown, but leave the heart area empty. On the other, draw plain clothes but a big bright heart. Write โPeople see the outside. God sees the heart.โ around the picture.
Head Summary
Samuel is looking for Israelโs next king, and he is impressed by how some of Jesseโs sons look on the outside. God corrects him and explains that people notice height, looks, and outward strength, but God pays attention to what is inside a person. God is not fooled or impressed by appearances. He sees the heart, our true inner self.
Heart Prompt
This week, pick one person you might normally judge by the outside (someone at school, church, work, or even in your family). Ask God to help you see them more like he does. Then do one small thing that treats them as valuable, not based on looks or status: a kind word, sitting with them, listening to them, or praying for them by name.
Hands Practice
This week, pick one person you might normally judge by the outside (someone at school, church, work, or even in your family). Ask God to help you see them more like he does. Then do one small thing that treats them as valuable, not based on looks or status: a kind word, sitting with them, listening to them, or praying for them by name.
Family Question
Can you think of a time when you misjudged someone at first, but later discovered what their heart was really like?
Prayer
Lord, thank You that You see our hearts, not just our outward appearance. Forgive us for judging others by how they look. Teach our family to see people more like You do and to care most about having hearts that please You. Amen.